Newspaper: Raffi Hovannisian's nomination for president in Armenia was outside USA's plans

• Tuesday, October 23, 12:43

 A record of a talk between the leaders of Heritage and Free Democrats parties, Raffi Hovannisian and Khachatur Kokobelyan, has emerged behind the scenes of politics in Armenia. The record certainly casts light the developments around the two political forces, a Yerevan- based Chorord Inqnishkhanityun newspaper writes. The USA has leaked the information.

Thus, yet before the parliamentary elections Hovannisian told Kokobelyan that he needed new figures to enter the parliament with, because his old team had already fulfilled its tasks. That is why the old activists of the party were ousted, which was reflected in the Heritage Party's ticket. During their talk Hovannisian and Kokobelyan agreed to enter the parliament and then wave their mandates on the threshold of the presidential election to engage in a presidential campaign. The paper writes that Kokobelyan did not fulfill his promise and refused to wave his mandate. Hovannisian's nomination for
president was outside USA's plans, which has mixed all the play cards.

To recall, Heritage and Free Democrats parties announced their official separation on October 22. Formally the two parties will remain in the Heritage Party Faction in compliance with the National Assembly Regulations. However, the parties will have their own stands on issues and can vote independently.